NCAA rejects graduate transfer proposal

WEST LAFAYETTE – Asked Thursday his thoughts about the NCAA making it harder for schools to bring in graduate transfers, Purdue coach Jeff Brohm quickly got the point.

“I’m for sure on the side of the way it’s going right now – 100 percent,” Brohm said.

The third-year coach doesn’t have to adjust because the NCAA Division I Council defeated a proposal Friday that would have required schools to count some graduate transfers against team scholarship limits for two years, regardless if the student remained enrolled after finishing up their eligibility.

“I think it would be extremely bad for the game to eliminate grad transfers if you’re going to have to count them when they’re not even there,” Brohm said.

Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm answers questions during a news conference Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Purdue is scheduled to face Auburn in the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Friday. (AP Photo/James Kenney)(Photo: The Associated Press)

The rule doesn’t change and those students who receive their undergraduate degree with a year or two of eligibility remaining are free to transfer without having to sit out a season.

The issue, though, isn't over.

“I don’t think people were ready to take that step ... but trying to figure out how that graduate space works will be a continued discussion,” South Dakota State athletic director Justin Sell told The Associated Press.

Brohm – and nearly every football and basketball coach – used the rule to fill holes on their rosters and receive immediate help on the playing field. In fact, Brohm will welcome Ben Holt, a linebacker from Western Kentucky, this summer after the son of Purdue co-defensive coordinator Nick Holt graduates in May.